Paul Monkhouse - 29th March 2011
The classic Frank Loesser musical burst into loud and vibrant life at the Wolsey during the start of a three week long run. Featuring a cast of old and new faces you couldn’t help but get swept away by the sheer spectacle and energy of the production. From the opening barrage of brass to its closing joyous and upbeat finale here was a show that rightly places it in the canon of all time greats.
Based on a story by Damon Runyon the show is filled with a wide spectrum of Great Depression era New York society from high rollers to gangsters, showgirls and petty crooks, all of whom are ‘on the make’. We follow our protagonists on their journey from Times Square, through to the bars of Havana, the sewers beneath the city and ultimately to the highs of redemption. All through this the show is packed with high octane musical routines and some truly fantastic performances.
The four main leads, Robbie Scotcher (Sky Masterson), Ben Fox (Nathan Detroit), Rosie Jenkins (Miss Adelaide) and Lorna-Marie Moore (Sarah Brown) are perfectly cast and dazzling in their roles. It was also great to welcome back Gavin Spokes (so good in ‘Up On The Roof’) whose show-stopping ‘Sit Down, You’re Rocking The Boat’ was the highlight of the show. Special mention too for Susannah Van Den Burgh whose comic timing and wonderfully bubbly personality got the evening’s biggest laughs.
For anyone who likes Broadway musicals this is a must-see. Don’t miss it.